Sash windows or double hung sash windows as they are universally known, are commonly referred to as villa windows in New Zealand.  They are mostly found in heritage buildings and homes in suburbs where early immigrants settled close to the centre of major cities and towns, or sometimes in old farm houses.

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Generally there are two sashes or window frames sliding independently in their own track.  The sashes are attached by sash cords which run through pulleys and counter weights hidden in weight chambers on each side of the window frame.  Sash windows offer a unique and classical aesthetic with very efficient air movement within a room.

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Broken sash cords are quite common due to:

• Age

• Fatigue

• Faulty pulleys

• Poor quality replacement sash cord

• Counterweight mismatch which causes the lower sash to fall shut.  This is often be caused by modern, heavier glass replacement in a sash window, leaving the counterweight inadequate to balance the sliding sash

• Caked layers of paint or in some cases, the timer of the sash window or box frame that it sits in is warped.  This can result in wooden sash windows not sliding well or not moving and being locked in place.  These two issues can cause meeting rail misalignment and also compromise the security of your home due to the window fastener not functioning correctly

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